Zhirong Zhao-Karger

Dr. Zhirong Zhao-Karger is a leading researcher in advanced battery materials at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he leads the Zhao-Karger Research Group within the Institute of Nanotechnology. His work is centered on post-lithium energy storage technologies, particularly magnesium and calcium-based battery systems. He is actively involved in major research initiatives including the POLiS Cluster of Excellence and the CaSino project, both focused on sustainable battery development.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Hannover (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Catalysis Research Laboratory (CaRLa), Heidelberg University/BASF (2007–2008)
• Research Scientist, Hydrogen Storage, KIT (2008–2012)
• Research Scientist, Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz Institute Ulm/KIT (2013–present)

Dr. Zhao-Karger’s research focuses on multivalent battery systems, including Mg and Ca batteries, with emphasis on electrolyte design, organic electrode materials, and interfacial chemistry. His work aims to overcome fundamental challenges in ion mobility, electrode stability, and reversibility in next-generation energy storage devices. He investigates novel materials such as calcium-tin alloys, organic cathodes, and gel polymer electrolytes to enable high-energy, long-life, and environmentally sustainable batteries.

The recent publications of Dr. Zhao-Karger reflect a strong and consistent research trajectory in electrolyte innovation, cathode chemistry, and multivalent battery mechanisms. His work spans experimental and computational approaches, with frequent contributions to top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, and Advanced Energy Materials. Key themes include anion storage, interfacial engineering, and multi-electron redox processes.

• Rechargeable Magnesium and Calcium Batteries
• Organic Electrode Materials
• Solid-State and Gel Polymer Electrolytes
• Electrolyte Additives and Interface Stabilization
• Alloy Anodes for Divalent Metals
• Computational Modeling of Ion Behavior

Dr. Zhao-Karger is supported by significant research funding from national and European programs, including the DFG and BMBF, and is a key contributor to the POLiS Cluster of Excellence. He collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions and disciplines, mentoring junior scientists and driving innovation in sustainable energy storage. His group operates state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis and electrochemical testing, contributing to the development of next-generation battery technologies.